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Korea to Japan: Epic Eats & Bright City Lights

5.0Based on
15 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
16 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Visit HiKR Ground in Seoul.

Take in colorful Gamcheon village on a walking tour.

Watch the Haenyeo of Jeju Island.

Explore lively Tokyo.

Spend a night in a traditional Minshuku (japanese inn).

Travel to culturally-rich Kyoto

Itinerary

Korea to Japan: Epic Eats & Bright City Lights is a 15-day whirlwind for lovers of culture and cuisine. From Seoul’s historic streets and pop culture to Jeju’s natural wonders and Kyoto’s timeless temples, this small group tour captures the essence of both countries. Savor street food, marvel at futuristic skylines, and wander through tranquil villages. The trip’s unique value lies in its curated blend of urban excitement and traditional experiences, making it perfect for travelers eager for a taste of East Asia’s best.

day 1 - Seoul

Arrive at any time and welcome to South Korea's largest metropolis. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting, so spend the Day exploring on your own time. In the evening, meet your group and your CEO at the welcome meeting. After, head out for an orientation walk and welcome dinner to get to know your group and the city of Seoul. After filling up on some delicious Korean food, opt to join your CEO & new friends out on the town for your First Night Out. Maybe grab a beer or choose to test your singing voice at karaoke.

Meal:Dinner
Accomodation:Dream Guest House (or similar)
Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Connect With New Friends

day 2 - Seoul

Start your Day channeling your inner K Pop star at HiKR Ground. Then head to what may be the cutest street in all of Seoul, Ikseon-Dong Alley. After some shopping, instagrammable moments, and free time for lunch, explore the Gwangjang market and try some iconic Korean snacks. Then enjoy a free evening in the city.

Accomodation:Dream Guest House (or similar)
Included Activities:HiKR Ground, Ikseon-dong Alley, Gwangjang Market Visit Duration : 1.0 hr
Optional Activities:Gangnam District Visit , N Seoul Tower Visit

day 3 - Seoul

Seoul is yours to explore today. With endless options, there's no bad way to enjoy this city. Opt to visit the DMZ, take a K Pop dance class, go on a Seoul City Tour or try your hand at some Korean delicacies at a cooking class.

Accomodation:Dream Guest House (or similar)
Optional Activities:Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Visit Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) the de facto border between North and South Korea, which cuts the peninsula in half. Created in 1953, it is the most heavily militarized border in the world., K-Pop Dance Class , Seoul City Tour Enjoy a bus tour of the bustling capital of South Korea. Visit different areas of the city including Gyengbokgung Palace, National Folklore Museum, Jogyesa Temple, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong alley.

day 4 - Seoul/Jeonju-si

In the morning, take the train to Jeonju, maybe the prettiest city in South Korea. After checking into your Hanok stay, take a CEO led tour of the town. Afterwards, take some time to explore the city on your own. Opt to wander through Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market, try your hand at Korean traditional handicraft at the Hanok Village Craft Museum or head to a local shop to try on a traditional Hanbok. This evening enjoy the comforts of traditional Korea and Korean culture at your hanok stay.

Accomodation:Jeonju Goeul Hanok Accommodation (or similar)
Included Activities:Jeonju Hanok Village Orientation Walk, Hanok Village Stay
Optional Activities:Hanbok Wearing , Jeonju Hanok Village Craft Museum

day 5 - Jeonju-si/Busan

Today, travel by bus to Nampodong, the centre of the coastal city of Busan. After dropping your luggage off at the hostel, we'll head to the colorful mountainside village of Gamcheon. This unique artistic village is full of colorful houses, murals and galleries. It's the perfect place for photos, art and culture lovers. Spend the evening exploring Busan as you'd like.

Accomodation:EZ Stay Guest House (or similar)
Transport:Local Bus Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 260 km
Included Activity:Gamcheon Culture Village
Optional Activities:Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House) Visit , Jjimjilbang

day 6 - Busan

Jump in a bus with your group for a Day trip to Tongyeong. In this beautiful seaside town, we'll ride the cable car for an incredible view and explore the seafood market for some tasty Korean snacks. Enjoy your Foodie Moment and try things like sea squirts and oysters, Tongyeong specialties. This evening, take some free time back in Busan before flying to the beach tomorrow.

Accomodation:EZ Stay Guest House (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.25 hr Distance : 90 km
Included Activities:Tongyeong Seafood Market, Hallyeosudo Cable Car
Optional Activities:Skyline Luge

day 7 - Busan/Jeju-si

After a free morning in Busan, fly to the subtropical island of Jeju. We'll spend the next three nights in downtown Jeju City. Settle in, then join your CEO at Dongmun Market, followed by a free night out on the town. You can opt to visit Dongmun Market at night, too, and witness the vibrant food stalls under the stars. Try some delicious black pork and wash it down with Jeju's famous orange juice. Five stars if you can find the dancing lobster stall!

Accomodation:Visitor Guest House Jeju (or similar)
Transport:Plane
Included Activity:Jeju Dongmun Market

day 8 - Jeju-si

Spend today getting a special inside look at the cultural side of Jeju. Start today with a tour of Seongeup Folk Village and learn about life of the people of old Jeju. Then we'll hike up the volcanic pathways to the top of Seongsan Sunrise Peak, an easy but rewarding hike. In the afternoon, we'll have the chance to witness the incredible haenyeo, women divers of Jeju. Watch these women, some even their 80's, dive to collect seafood and hold their breath for minutes at a time. Tonight, hit the town with your CEO and group for a Big Night Out! Enjoy a beer or your drink of choice! Karaoke, anyone?

Accomodation:Visitor Guest House Jeju (or similar)
Included Activities:Seongeup Folk Village, Seongsan Sunrise Peak Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 1 km, Hamdeok Beach, Haenyeo Women Divers Performance, Big Night Out - Jeju
Optional Activities:Yongduam Rock , Yongyeon Cloud Bridge

day 9 - Jeju-si

On this last Day in paradise, explore the island how you wish. Opt to visit the galleries of Bunker de Lumieres, race carts at 9.81 Park or relax on one of the many beaches. Our favorites are Geumneung Beach and Hyeopjae Beach. You can also opt to hike a portion of the Olle trail. Ask your CEO about getting to and from some of the best sections of this amazing trek.

Accomodation:Visitor Guest House Jeju (or similar)
Included Activity:Free time in Jeju Island
Optional Activities:Bunker des Lumières , Oreum Hiking , Hike the Olle Trail

day 10 - Jeju-si/Tokyo

Say your final goodbyes to Jeju and South Korea before your flight to Tokyo. Spend the Day exploring Tokyo on your own terms before meeting your group in the evening for a welcome meeting. Then, after the meeting, head out for a night of fun, drinks, and dancing for your first night out in Japan. Pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Accomodation:Imano Tokyo Hostel (or similar)
Transport:Plane
Included Activity:Connect With New Friends

day 11 - Tokyo

Get your bearings with an orientation walk before enjoying free time to explore buzzing Tokyo. Opt to check out Yoyogi Park, Asakusa shrine, quirky Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, or explore the city's massive selection of shops and cafés.

Accomodation:Imano Tokyo Hostel (or similar)
Included Activity:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr
Optional Activities:Sensō-ji Temple Visit Explore Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs. , Akihabara Visit Tokyo's Akihabara district is a cultural centre and shopping district for video games, anime, manga, and electronics., Harajuku Visit The Harajuku district is known as the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Here, find dozens of shopping and dining options including independent boutiques and larger international luxury stores., Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit Entry to the shrine is free. Entry to the Treasure House is 500yen, and the Inner Garden is an additional 500yen., Ueno Park Visit Park entrance is free, as are many of the shrines. However, some shrines and museums charge an entry fee of 500JPY.

day 12 - Tokyo/Takayama

Board a bullet train to picturesque Takayama, surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Take in the quaint streets of old town—lined with craft shops and sake breweries (mid-day sake bombs anyone?)—on a CEO-led orientation walk. Enjoy the rest of the Day to explore the area. In the evening, kick back and relax in a traditional inn complete with tatami floors, Japanese futons, and an onsen hot spring. Delight in a restorative soak in the healing waters.

Accomodation:Oyado Iguchi (or similar)
Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 4.0 hr
Included Activity:Takayama Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:Sake Street Visit Stroll down this quaint road, lined with sake breweries and vendors, and learn more about this typical Japanese beverage made from fermented rice. Have a sample or two to test it out., Biking Bicycle Rental: 200JPY per hour, 500JPY for 3 hour, or 1,000JPY per day., Hida no Sato (Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village) Visit Visit the Hida Folk Village, an outdoor museum where various buildings from the 1600s are open to tour. The steep, thatched roofs of the farmhouses are said to resemble praying hands. Take a peek inside to see tools and furniture from the original village.

day 13 - Takayama/Kyoto

Catch a train to Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto, and spend the rest of the Day discovering this historic city. Then tonight, grab a drink (if you drink) during your Big Night Out! After a beer, you can opt to release your inner rock star during a karaoke session. Or visit one of Kyoto's many famous izakayas! Kanpai!

Accomodation:We Base Kyoto (or similar)
Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 3.5 hr - 4.0 hr
Included Activity:Big Night Out
Optional Activities:Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji The Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond., Gion Walk , Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both., Kiyomizu Temple Visit Visit the Kiyomizu Temple, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto and part of Kyoto's UNESCO listed sights. Originally built in 798, the current structures were built in 1633 without the use of a single nail.

day 14 - Kyoto

Kyoto is yours to explore today and the options are endless, so grab a buddy and get out there! Visit some of Kyoto's beautiful temples, participate in a tea ceremony, or take a calligraphy class (so you can make that postcard home look extra fancy).

Accomodation:We Base Kyoto (or similar)
Optional Activities:Day Trip to Nara , Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit Explore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view.

day 15 - Kyoto

Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share some last laughs and exchange social medias with your fellow travellers before departing at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this iconic city.

Included Activity:Departure Day
Korea to Japan: Epic Eats & Bright City Lights

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What's Included

Accommodation
Hostels & traditional inn (14 nts, multi-share & shared facilities).
Meals
1 dinner
Note: Allow USD595-775 for meals not included.
Transport
Train, plane, private vehicle, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Included activities
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Local Living Moment: Hanok Village Stay, JeonjuYour Foodie Moment: Tongyeong Seafood Market, Tongyeong-siYour Big Night Out Moment: - Jeju, Jeju-siYour Discover Moment: Free time in Jeju Island, Jeju-siYour Big Night Out Moment: KyotoYour Discover Moment: KyotoDelicious KFC dinner (Korean Fried Chicken!)Visit HiKR GroundWalk through Ikseon-Dong Alley and Gwangjang marketFree time in SeoulTraditional Hanok Village stayVisit to Gamcheon villageTongyeong Cable Car rideVisit to Tasting at Tongyeong Seafood marketEvening visit to Dongmun marketShort hike to Seongsan Sunrise PeakGuided tour of Seongeup Folk VillageWatch the Haenyeo Women DiversVisit to Hamdeok BeachFree time in JejuOrientation walks in Tokyo and TakayamaOvernight stay in a traditional innFree time in Tokyo, Takayama, and Kyoto

What's Excluded

Monthly Price Comparison

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